Apparatus for capturing and recording video information

ABSTRACT

With an object of executing excellent finishing processing when information is recorded to a rewritable type record medium or a write once type record medium, the finishing processing is switched by whether a kind of a medium for recording information is the rewritable type record medium or the write once type record medium and a method of executing the finishing processing is switched based on a state of supplying power.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation Application of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/830,545, filed Apr. 22, 2004, which is aContinuation Application of Ser. No. 09/944,755, filed Aug. 31, 2001,which is related to, and claims priority from, Japanese Application No.2001-195691, filed Jun. 28, 2001, each of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a technology of recording informationto a rewritable type record medium or a write once type record medium.

As a record medium for recording information taken by a video camera, amedium using a magnetic tape has generally been used. In contrastthereto, by development of recording and reproducing technology to andfrom a record medium in a disk-like shape and a technology of highdensity formation thereof, the record medium in the disk-like shape hasbeen reduced into practice as a record medium. As an example thereof,there appears also a video camera for an information recording apparatususing a hard disk or an optical disk (DVD disk or the like) as a recordmedium. A video camera, an information recording apparatus or aninformation reproducing apparatus using the disk-like record mediumachieves advantages such that random access or various editions canreadily be carried out and small-sized formation of a record medium canbe carried out in comparison with a conventional constitution using amagnetic tape for a record medium.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, DVD-RAM is not provided with a compatibility with a DVD-videoformat. That is, reproduction thereof cannot be executed by an existingDVD reproducing apparatus. Further, a medium of DVD-RAM per se is stillexpensive and a rate of spreading an RAM exclusive reproducer and a DVDreproducing apparatus in correspondence with RAM is not large in thecurrent state. It is easily predicted also in view of the spreading ratethat reproduction by the DVD reproducing apparatus is indispensable.Then, there is brought about a necessity of reproducing a mediumrecorded by a DVD-RAM camera by the existing DVD reproducing apparatus.Although format of a recording type is provided with a choice of DVD-RWand DVD-R, DVD-R wins in view of the cost of the disk andreproducability by the existing DVD reproducing apparatus. As describedabove, in consideration of the marketability, it is indispensable toprovide a recording function of DVD-R to the DVD-RAM camera.

Meanwhile, there are a rewritable type and a write once type in recordmedia of optical disks. The rewritable one can rewrite information asthe name signifies. Meanwhile, the write once type one can writeinformation only once. As the rewritable ones, there are known DVD-RAM,DVD-RW, PC-RW or the like and as the write once type, DVD-R is known.Although either of the information record media can record information,a method of recording information differs by respective characteristicsand accordingly, an information recording apparatus needs to recordinformation based on the recording method.

DVD-R can record information by UDF bridge format the same as that of areproduction exclusive disk. Therefore, with regard to reproductionafter recording, DVD-R can be reproduced by an existing DVD reproducingapparatus since DVD-R is provided with the characteristic substantiallythe same as that of a reproduction exclusive disk.

However, in order to reproduce information recorded in DVD-R by theexisting DVD reproducing apparatus, a finishing processing includingfinalizing must be executed. A description will be given later ofdetails of finalizing. The finalizing processing is not needed inDVD-RAM. Therefore, according to a video camera or an informationrecording apparatus for recording information to DVD-R and DVD-RAM, thefinishing processing after recording must be switched by the media. Thefinishing processing of DVD-RAM is a processing of writing informationin conformity with video recording standards to the disk in order torealize special reproduction of taken video. Meanwhile, the finishingprocessing of DVD-R is writing of information and a finalizingprocessing in conformity with a video format of a reproduction exclusivedisk prescribed in DVD-video book. A logical format of DVD is describedin Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 274403/1996.

Next, a simple explanation will be given of finalizing record inreference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining finalizing record. VTS_0, VTS_1 of200 is a set of data of video, audio, sub audio or the like and controlinformation thereof, L1 of 201 designates an area recorded with acapacity of data in a read-in area and 202 designates an area showing afinish position of record data. As shown by FIG. 2, when information isrecorded to DVD-R, the information is recorded by a unit referred to asVTS (video title set: maximum 99 pieces) 200. VTS 200 is formed by datapackaging compressed video, audio or sub video, information forreproducing thereof and backup of the information for reproducingthereof. Upper stage of FIG. 2 shows a recording state beforefinalizing. In the state before finalizing, information cannot bereproduced by the existing DVD reproducing apparatus and therefore, inorder to make the information reproducible, the read-in area 201 and aread-out area 202 are recorded as shown at a lower stage of FIG. 2.Although not illustrated in FIG. 2, information with regard to videomanager information (information for searching title) and informationwith regard to volume and file structure area are simultaneouslyrecorded between the read-in area and VTS 200. Further, there also is acase in which information for utilizing the title set is providedbetween VTS 200 and the read-out area 202. A description is given inJapanese Patent Laid-Open No. 273304/1996 with regard to a detailedconstitution of data. By recording information by the format explainedabove, the information can be reproduced by existing DVD reproducingapparatus.

Further, when a video camera is used, normally, a battery (a chargingbattery referred to as a battery pack or dry cell) is used, first ofall, a suppliable power amount of the battery (charging battery, drycell, solar cell or the like) is limited or the suppliable power amountis changed by environmental conditions of temperature, sunshinecondition and the like. For example, there is a case in which thesuppliable power amount becomes smaller than a power amount necessaryfor executing finalizing processing by temperature drop.

When the power amount necessary for executing the finalizing processingcannot be supplied in the finalizing processing since the battery isdead, the finalizing processing cannot normally be processed.

Further, at that occasion, there is conceivable a case in which althoughthe finalizing processing is being executed, the processing is forciblyfinished and information recorded in the disk cannot be reproduced orthe disk is destructed. Further, particularly in the case of DVD-R,information can be written thereto only once and therefore, it is aserious problem for the information recording apparatus dealing withDVD-R that the finalizing processing cannot be executed normally.

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide an informationrecording apparatus capable of excellently writing information to arewritable or a write once type record medium and it is an objectthereof to prevent the finalizing processing or record medium from beingfailed.

Further, there is pointed out Japanese Patent Laid-Open NO. 54518/1993as a reference example of an optical disk recording apparatus posing aproblem caused by lowering of power supply voltage.

The publication discloses a technology stating “By such constitution,even when voltage of a battery 31 is lowered during recording (recordingsound), TOC information of a recorded content up to the moment is storedand held and the TOC information is recorded to an optical disk 2 whenthe main power supply recovers and accordingly, the recorded contentimmediately before shutting down the main power supply can later bereproduced. This is because conventionally, when recording isinterrupted in the midst of recording, the TOC information is notrecorded to the disk, head access for reproducing audio data which isnot recorded with the TOC information cannot be executed and the audiodata cannot be reproduced and therefore, there has been a drawback thatthe audio data is not substantially recorded for a user, however,according to the embodiment of the invention, the TOC information isreserved until immediately before interrupting the recording by shuttingdown the power supply and therefore, all of recorded content up to themoment can be reproduced. (paragraph No.: 0021)”.

According to the publication, it is the object “to enable reproductionof all of the recorded content up to the moment since the TOCinformation is preserved up to immediately before interrupting recordingby shutting down the power supply” for avoiding “conventionally, the TOCinformation is not recorded to the disk when recording is interrupted inthe midst of recording and head access for reproducing audio data whichis not recorded with the TOC information cannot be carried out and theaudio data cannot be reproduced”.

That is, the publication is characterized in that when the power supplyis shut down, in the case in which means for providing the TOCinformation of the recorded content until recording is not provided, theinformation is erased by shutting down the power supply and accordingly,the TOC information is made to store to RAM 9 to preserve and isprevented from being erased.

Meanwhile, the problem posed by the invention is that as describedabove, the finalizing processing is forcibly finished although thefinalizing processing is being executed and information recorded in thedisk cannot be reproduced or the disk is destructed, which is notdescribed in the publication.

Further, no description is given to that the finalizing processingcannot normally be executed in the case of DVD-R which can be writtenwith information only once.

In order to achieve the above-described problem, according to theinvention, a kind of a record medium constituting a record object isdetermined and a finishing processing is switched for respective recordmedia such that the finishing processing in correspondence withrespectives of kinds of the record media is executed. Or, the finishingprocessing is switched in correspondence with a method of recordinginformation to the record medium.

A finishing processing of a rewritable type record medium such asDVD-RAM, is executing a processing of writing information in conformitywith video recording standards to a disk in order to realize specialreproduction of taken video.

Meanwhile, a finishing processing of a write once type record mediumsuch as DVD-R is executing writing of information and a finalizingprocessing in conformity with a video format of a reproduction exclusivedisk prescribed in DVD-video book.

Further, when the information recording apparatus executes the finishingprocessing, the finishing processing is executed when a necessary poweramount is suppliable by determining whether the power amount necessaryfor executing the finishing processing can be supplied.

In determining whether the power amount necessary for executing thefinishing processing can be supplied, the determination can be executedfirstly by determining whether power is supplied by a battery orsupplied by a commercial alternating current power supply.

That is, when the power is supplied by the commercial alternatingcurrent power supply, the finishing processing is executed such that thepower amount necessary for executing the finishing processing can besupplied. Therefore, when the power is supplied by the battery, thefinishing processing cannot be executed.

However, even when power is supplied by a battery, in the case in whicha power amount suppliable by the battery for supplying power isdetermined and the power amount necessary for executing the finishingprocessing can be supplied (for example, the power amount suppliable bythe battery is larger than a power amount used for the finishingprocessing), the finishing processing can be executed.

In executing the finishing processing after recording information to awrite once type record medium such as DVD-R according to the invention,particularly in the case of executing a finalizing processing, it isdetermined whether a power amount necessary for executing the finalizingprocessing can be supplied and when the necessary power amount can besupplied, the finalizing processing is executed. Also in this case, theabove-described means is used for determining whether the power amountnecessary for executing the finalizing processing can be supplied.

Further, although when power is supplied by the commercial alternatingcurrent power supply in the above-described, the finishing processing isexecuted, the commercial alternating current power supply is exemplifiedas an example in which the suppliable power amount is not limited incontrast to the power supply in which the suppliable power amount islimited as in the battery (charging battery, dry cell or the like).Therefore, when there is other power supply in which the suppliablepower amount is not limited, the power supply can be used as a powersupply source executing the finishing processing. For example, powerprovided from an automobile may be used as a power supply source.Further, although the battery is a charging battery or a dry cell, thebattery exemplifies a power supply in which suppliable power amount islimited, for example, a solar cell or the like can sufficiently realizea constitution used for power supply as the above-described battery andcan execute the invention, however, in accordance with the magnitude ofthe suppliable power amount, there is a case in which the finishingprocessing cannot be executed.

Further, although in the case of the battery (charging battery, drycell, solar cell or the like), the suppliable power amount is limited,the battery is provided with a characteristic having a case in which thesuppliable power amount is changed by environmental conditions such astemperature, sunshine condition and the like.

Meanwhile, according to the commercial alternating current power supply,the suppliable power amount is not limited and normally, power canstably be supplied and supplied power is difficult to change byenvironmental conditions as in the battery.

Therefore, even in consideration of a variation of power supplied on anaverage, when power is supplied from the commercial alternating currentpower supply, the finishing processing is executed, data recorded in theinformation recording apparatus is protected, further, promotion ofreliability of the information recording apparatus is achieved.

However, even in the case of supplying power from the battery, whenpower necessary for finishing processing can stably be supplied bydetecting stability of supplied power, the finishing processing may beexecuted.

Further, in detecting or determining that power necessary for thefinishing processing can be supplied, power can be determined to besuppliable stably when a change in power over time is stable. Forexample, it is possible that a state and a characteristic of the changeof the supplied power is calculated by continuously or discretelyreferring to power supplied from the battery over time, power necessaryfor the finishing processing is detected or determined to be stablysuppliable based on the state and the characteristic of the change.

Further, in detecting or determining stability of power supply based onthe state and the characteristic of the change, detection ordetermination may be executed by referring to the characteristic of thebattery (including discharge characteristic) or providing a sensor ormeans for measuring the environmental conditions such as measuring orreferring to temperature change by a temperature sensor or measuring orreferring to sunshine condition by a sensor with regard to light.

Further, in order to achieve the above-described problem, according tothe invention, there is constituted a (camera integral type) informationrecording apparatus having video compressing means for compressing anvideo signal, audio signal compressing means for compressing an audiosignal, multiplexing means for multiplexing video data outputted by thevideo compressing means and audio data outputted by the audiocompressing means in a predetermined style, determining means fordetermining a kind of a record medium, reading/writing means for writingor reading information in accordance with the medium, power supply meansfor driving the apparatus, controlling means for controlling theinformation recording apparatus starting from a start timing and afinish timing of recording and monitoring or determining a connectedstate of the power supply, finishing means for executing a finishingprocessing in conformity with standards of the record medium based oncontrol of the controlling means and informing means for informing analarm message. Further, monitoring or determining the connected state ofthe power supply may not necessarily be executed by the controllingmeans and executing means may separately be provided.

Further, in order to achieve the above-described object, according to anaspect of the invention, there is provided an information recordingapparatus which is an information recording apparatus for recordinginformation to a record medium, the information recording apparatuscomprising driver means for writing and reading the information to andfrom the record medium, record medium determining means for determininga kind of the record medium, finishing processing means for executing afinishing processing of the record medium via the driver means, andcontrolling means for controlling the information recording apparatus,wherein the finishing processing means switches the finishing processingbased on the kind of the record medium.

Further, in order to achieve the above-described object, according toanother aspect of the invention, the record medium is a rewritable typerecord medium or a write once type record medium.

Further, in order to achieve the above-described object, according toanother aspect of the invention, there is provided the informationrecording apparatus, further comprising power supplying means forsupplying power to the information recording apparatus, and power supplydetermining means for determining a state of supplying of the powersupplying means, wherein the power supply determining means determineswhether the power is supplied by a battery or supplied by a commercialalternating current power supply, and when the power is supplied by thecommercial alternating current power supply, the finishing processingmeans executes the finishing processing.

Further, in order to achieve the above-described object, according toanother aspect of the invention, there is provided the informationrecording apparatus, further comprising power supplying means forsupplying power to the information recording apparatus, and power supplydetermining means for determining a state of supplying of the powersupplying means, wherein the power supply determining means determineswhether the power is supplied by a battery or supplied by a commercialalternating current power supply, and when the power is supplied by thebattery, the finishing processing means does not execute the finishingprocessing.

Further, in order to achieve the above-described object, according toanother aspect of the invention, there is provided the informationrecording apparatus, further comprising power supplying means forsupplying power to the information recording apparatus, and power supplydetermining means for determining a state of supplying of the powersupplying means, wherein the power supply determining means determines apower amount suppliable by a battery for supplying the power, and whenthe power amount suppliable by the battery is larger than a power amountused in the finalizing processing, the finishing processing meansexecutes the finishing processing.

Further, in order to achieve the above-described object, according toanother aspect of the invention, there is provided the informationrecording apparatus, further comprising informing means, wherein theinforming means informs that the power is supplied by the commercialalternating current power supply.

Further, in order to achieve the above-described object, according toanother aspect of the invention, there is provided an informationrecording apparatus which is an information recording apparatus forrecording information to a rewritable type record medium or a write oncetype record medium, the information recording apparatus comprisingdriver means for writing and reading the information to and from therecord medium, record medium determining means for determining whether akind of the record medium is the rewritable type record medium or thewrite once type record medium, finishing processing means for executinga finishing processing to the rewritable type record medium or the writeonce type record medium via the driver means, and controlling means forcontrolling the information recording apparatus, wherein based on adetermination of the record medium determining means, the finishingprocessing means switches the finishing processing by whether the recordmedium is the rewritable type record medium or the write once typerecord medium.

Further, in order to achieve the above-described object, according toanother aspect of the invention, there is provided an informationrecording apparatus which is an information recording apparatus forrecording information to a write once type record medium, theinformation recording apparatus comprising driver means for writing andreading the information to and from the write once type record medium,finishing processing means for executing a finishing processing based ona method of recording the information to the write once type recordmedium via the driver means, power supply means for supplying power tothe information recording apparatus, power supply determining means fordetermining a state of supplying the power supply means, and controllingmeans for controlling the information recording apparatus, wherein thepower supply determining means determines whether the power is suppliedby a battery or supplied by a commercial alternating current powersupply, and when the power is supplied by the commercial alternatingcurrent, the finishing processing means executes the finishingprocessing.

Further, in order to achieve the above-described object, according toanother aspect of the invention, there is provided an informationrecording apparatus which is an information recording apparatus forrecording information to a write once type record medium, theinformation recording apparatus comprising driver means for writing andreading the information to and from the write once type record medium,finishing processing means for executing a finishing processing based ona method of recording the information to the write once type recordmedium via the driver means, power supply means for supplying power tothe information recording apparatus, power supply determining means fordetermining a state of supplying the power supply means, and controllingmeans for controlling the information recording apparatus, wherein thepower supply determining means determines whether the power is suppliedby a battery or supplied by a commercial alternating current powersupply, and when the power is supplied by the battery, the finishingprocessing means does not execute the finishing processing.

Further, in order to the above-described object, according to anotheraspect of the invention, there is provided an information recordingapparatus which is an information recording apparatus for recordinginformation to a write once type record medium, the informationrecording apparatus comprising driver means for writing and reading theinformation to and from the write once type record medium, finishingprocessing means for executing a finishing processing based on a methodof recording the information to the write once type record medium viathe driver means, power supply means for supplying power to theinformation recording apparatus, power supply determining means fordetermining a state of supplying the power supply means, and controllingmeans for controlling the information recording apparatus, wherein thepower supply determining means determines a power amount suppliable by abattery for supplying the power, and wherein when the power amountsuppliable by the battery is larger than a power amount used in thefinishing processing, the finishing processing means executes thefinishing processing.

Further, in order to achieve the above-described object, according toanother aspect of the invention, there is provided the informationprocessing apparatus for recording the information to a rewritable typerecord medium or a write once type record medium, further comprisingpower supply monitoring means for monitoring means for supplying a powersupply to the information recording apparatus, wherein when the powersupply monitoring means determines that the power is supplied by an ACpower supply, the finishing processing means executes the finishingprocessing to the write once type record medium.

Further, in order to achieve the above-described object, according toanother aspect of the invention, there is provided the informationrecording apparatus for recording the information to the rewritable typerecord medium or the write once type record medium, further comprisinginforming means, wherein when the power supply monitoring meansdetermines that the power is supplied by a battery, the finishingprocessing means does not execute the finishing processing to the writeonce type record medium, and the informing means informs that the poweris supplied by the AC power supply.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an video signal recording apparatus and anvideo signal reproducing apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining finalizing;

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a finalizing processing flow;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a finalizing processing flow;

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a finalizing processing flow;

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a finalizing processing flow;

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining display screens;

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a flow of switching a finishingprocessing accompanied by determination of Disc;

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a video camera capable of recordingDVD-RAM and DVD-R;

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a video recorder capable ofrecording DVD-RAM and DVD-R; and

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a finalizing processing flow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An explanation will be given of a first embodiment in reference toFIG. 1. As a system of the embodiment, there is constituted a systemcapable of recording two optical disks of DVD-RAM and DVD-R.

FIG. 1 is a system diagram of an embodiment of the invention. In thedrawing, numeral 100 designates a control portion for controllingtimings of start and finish of recording and confirming determination ofa record medium and monitoring a state of power supply, numeral 101designates an video input terminal portion of a digital video signal,numeral 102 designates an video compressing portion for compressing anvideo signal outputted from the video input terminal 101, numeral 103designates an audio input terminal portion of a digital audio signal,numeral 104 designates an audio compressing portion for compressing anaudio signal outputted from the audio input terminal 103, numeral 105designates a multiplexing portion for multiplexing data outputted fromthe video compressing portion 102 and the audio compressing portion 104to a system stream in conformity with standards of MPEG or the like,numeral 106 designates a driver portion for carrying out writing andreading in accordance with a medium after determining the system streamgenerated by the multiplexing portion 105 and the record medium, andnumeral 107 designates the record medium read and written by the driverportion 106 and is DVD-RAM and DVD-R. Numeral 108 designates a finishingprocessing portion for switching a finishing processing by a case inwhich the record medium 107 is DVD-RAM and a case in which the recordmedium 107 is DVD-R and numeral 109 designates a power supply portionconnected with a battery (charging battery, dry cell etc.) or commercialalternating current power supply (hereinafter, referred to as AC powersupply) for driving a video camera.

Further, the control portion 100 is for confirming determination of arecord medium and monitoring a state of a power supply. However, theremay be constructed a constitution providing a portion for confirmingdetermination of a record medium (in other expression, record mediumdetermining means for determining a kind of record medium) and a portionfor monitoring a state of a power supply (in other expression, powersupply monitoring means, or power supply determining means fordetermining a state of supplying power supply means) separately from thecontrol portion 100.

First, an explanation will be given of a recording method.

When a user desires recording, the control portion makes the driverportion 106 confirm which of DVD-RAM or DVD-R the record medium 107 is.A result of determining the disk is stored to a flag. The flag isconstituted by judge_disc_flg of 2 bits. For example, when a value ofthe flag is 00b, the disk is DVD-RAM, when the value is 01b, the disk isDVD-R and when the value is 10b and 11b, the disk is a medium other thanthe above-described. The flag is not limited to 0 bits so far as theflag can determine the disk. Thereafter, preparation of recording isstarted by initializing respective blocks as necessary. The disk may bedetermined when the disk is inserted to the system. After initializing,in order to input video data and audio data, by operating an A/Dconverter or the like not illustrated in FIG. 1, digital data of videois obtained from the video input terminal 101 and digital data of audiois obtained from the audio input terminal 103. The inputted digitalvideo signal is subjected to a signal processing of brightness and coloras necessary and is compressed in conformity with standards of MPEG bythe video compressing portion 102. There may be installed a buffer forstoring data before or after the video compressing portion as necessary.Further, the digital audio signal inputted from the audio input terminal103 is subjected to audio compression in conformity with MPEG standardsor Dolby digital (AC3) standards via a buffer or the like as necessary.In the case of recording by linear PCM, compression is not carried out.The multiplexing portion 105 generates a system stream in conformitywith standards of MPEG from the video compression data and the audiocompression data generated by the video compressing portion 102 and theaudio compression portion 104 and also carries out packetizing inconformity with a designated format of DVD. Packetizing is carried outin conformity with video recording standards in the case of DVD-RAM anda video format of a reproduction exclusive disk in the case of DVD-R. Inthis case, there is frequently interposed a buffer before or after themultiplexing portion. The system stream generated by the multiplexingportion 105 is recorded to the record medium 107 via a buffer notillustrated in FIG. 1. Thereafter, when a user designates finishing (forexample, press a button of the system (recording and stop recording maybe carried out by the same button)), the control portion instructs therespective blocks to finish. The A/D converter not illustrated in FIG. 1is also stopped. At this occasion, finalizing is not carried out whenthe system stream is recorded by DVD-RAM format. When the system streamis recorded by DVD-R, the system stream can be reproduced by an existingDVD reproduction apparatus by carrying out recording with finalizing.However, once the finalizing is carried out, data cannot be written onthe disk and therefore, the finalizing is not always carried out but itis general that the user can designate whether the finalizing isexecuted or not. Naturally, the finalizing may be carried outautomatically when recording by DVD-R has been finished.

Next, an explanation will be given of a finishing processing when a userrequest finalizing in reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 3 and FIG. 8. FIG. 3shows a flow a finalizing processing and FIG. 8 explains a flow ofswitching a finishing processing accompanied by Disc determination.

After recording by DVD-R, in order to reproduce DVD-R by an existing DVDreproduction apparatus, a finalizing processing must be carried out.However, when a battery is dead in the finalizing processing (when apower amount necessary for carrying out the finalizing processingbecomes smaller than a power amount supplied from the battery), thefinalizing processing is not processed normally. At this occasion, thereis a possibility that although the finalizing processing is beingcarried out, the finalizing processing is forcibly finished and datacannot be reproduced again so far as a finally written position ismemorized. In the worst case, the disk may be destructed.

In order to avoid the above-described problem, when the user selects thefinalizing processing, the control portion 100 checks a connecting stateof the power supply portion 109 and a portion connected thereto. Thecontrol portion 100 stores the current connecting state of the powersupply to a flag of 1 bit. The flag is designated by connect_flg , whenthe value is 0b, the connecting state is battery connection and when thevalue is 1b, the connecting state is AC power supply connection. Alsothe flag needs not to limit to 1 bit so far as the connecting state of abattery or an AC power supply is known.

An explanation will be given here of a processing at the finishingprocessing portion 108 in reference to FIG. 8.

The finishing processing portion 108 receives instruction of a finishingprocessing from the control portion and at the same time, receives flagconnect_flg showing whether the record medium 107 is DVD-RAM or DVD-R.The processing is started by START (800) and determines which of thedisks the record medium is by determining the flag for carrying out Discdetermination (801). When the disk is DVD-R (801-DVD-R), a DVD-Rfinishing processing 802 is carried out. Further, when the disk isDVD-RAM (801-DVD-RAM), a finishing processing 803 for carrying out afinishing processing in correspondence with DVD-RAM is carried out.

The finishing processing 803 writes IFO information in conformity withvideo recording standards of DVD-RAM. The IFO information is informationfor carrying out special reproduction or the like.

Meanwhile, DVD-R finishing processing 802 writes IFO information inconformity with a reproduction exclusive video format and carries outfinalizing as necessary. FIG. 3 shows a processing flow with regard tofinalizing executed at DVD-R finishing processing 802 at this occasion.

In the following, an explanation will be given such that after writingthe IFO information, the processing is started from START 300.

First, a connected power supply is checked at power supply connectioncheck 301. As a result, when connect_flg flag indicating the connectionstate of the power supply is 0b, the connection state of battery supplyand when the flag is 1b, the connection state is AC power supplyconnection. Based on the power supply connection check 301, when theconnection is AC power supply connection (302-YES), a finalizingprocessing 303 is executed and when the connection state is batteryconnection (302-NO), the operation is finished without carrying outfinalizing processing (304).

Normally, a carrying information recording apparatus such as a videocamera is connected with a battery of a charging battery or the like.First of all, according to a battery (charging battery, dry cell, solarcell or the like), a suppliable power amount is limited or a suppliablepower amount is changed by environmental conditions of temperature,sunshine condition and so on. Although there is present display of acapacity of a battery in a video camera, there is a case in whichaccurate life of battery (remaining suppliable power amount) is notknown since its display is a display to a degree of several stages.Therefore, there is frequently a case in which the battery is dead inthe midst of using thereof, even when the battery seems to be usable.That is, when a battery is connected and power is supplied from thebattery, power necessary for finishing the finalizing processing cannotnecessarily be supplied by the battery. Therefore, when the finalizingprocessing is executed under the state of being supplied with power fromthe battery, there is a possibility that the finalizing processingcannot be executed normally due to a deficiency in the suppliable poweramount of the battery. Therefore, it seems to be preferable that thefinalizing processing is not executed under the state of being suppliedwith power from the battery.

Meanwhile, according to the AC power supply, the suppliable power amountis not limited and the suppliable power is difficult to vary even whenthe environmental condition of temperature or sunshine condition ischanged. Therefore, when power is supplied by the AC power supply, thepower amount necessary for executing the finalizing processing can besupplied and therefore, even when the finalizing processing is executed,the finalizing can be finished normally. Therefore, it seems that thefinalizing processing may be executed under the state of being suppliedwith power from the AC power supply.

According to the embodiment, when the information recording apparatussuch as video camera executes the finalizing processing, it isdetermined whether the power amount necessary for executing thefinalizing processing can be supplied and when the necessary poweramount can be supplied, the finalizing processing is executed.

With regard to the determination of whether the power amount necessaryfor executing the finalizing processing can be supplied, thedetermination is executed by determining whether the power is suppliedby the battery or supplied by the AC power supply.

That is, when the power is supplied by the AC power supply, it isdetermined that the power amount necessary for executing the finalizingprocessing can be supplied and the finalizing processing is executed.Therefore, in the case of supplying power by the battery, it isdetermined that the finalizing processing can be executed.

When the finalizing processing is executed with the battery as powersupply and under the state in which power is supplied from the battery,there is a possibility that the finalizing processing cannot be finishednormally since power cannot be supplied in the midst of execution andtherefore, in order to give a priority to reliability as the informationrecording apparatus and protection of data recorded to the recordmedium, the finalizing processing cannot help being prevented fromexecuting when the battery constitutes the power supply.

Meanwhile, under the state in which the AC power supply is connected tothe information recording apparatus such as a video camera and power issupplied from the AC power supply, in the normal case, the powernecessary for the finalizing processing continues to be supplied alwaysfrom the AC power supply and therefore, the finalizing processing cannormally be finished, data recorded to the information recordingapparatus is protected and promotion of reliability of the informationrecording apparatus is achieved.

As described above, according to the embodiment, when the user intendsto execute finalizing, by monitoring the power supply connection stateand preventing the finalizing from being permitted by other than the ACpower supply, a dangerous state of forcibly finishing the finalizingprocessing in the midst of execution can be avoided.

Further, although according to the embodiment, an explanation has beengiven by taking an example of the finishing processing with regard toDVD-R, the embodiment is applicable to a record medium necessitating afinalizing processing after recording and may be executed with regardto, for example, DVD-RAM.

Next, an explanation will be given of an embodiment of executing thefinalizing processing even when power is supplied by other than AC powersupply as a second embodiment in reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4. FIG. 4also shows a flow of the finalizing processing and an explanation willbe omitted with regard to portions duplicated with those in FIG. 3. Thesystem constitution is similar to that of the first embodiment.According to the above-described first embodiment, by monitoring aportion thereof connected as the power supply, determining supply ofpower and executing the finalizing processing when the AC power supplyis connected, the case in which the finalizing processing cannot beexecuted normally, can be avoided.

However, in the case of a portable type information recording apparatussuch as a video camera, picture is frequently taken outdoors generallyand in that case, the apparatus is not used while being connected to theAC power supply. In that case, according to the first embodiment, thereis an inconvenient case in which the finalizing processing cannot beexecuted since the AC power supply is not connected thereto. Forexample, depending on a user, there also is a case in which the userdesires the finalizing processing even outdoors since the disk has beenrecorded fully.

Here, the second embodiment improves the inconvenient point and is anembodiment for enabling to execute the finalizing processing even whenthe battery is connected. According to the second embodiment, powersupply connected at power supply connection check 301 is checked andwhen the AC power supply is connected (302-YES) and thereafter,processings similar to those in the first embodiment are executed.

Meanwhile, as a result of the power supply connection check (301), inthe case of the battery connection (302-NO), a power amount suppliableby a battery connected to the power supply portion 109 is checked (401),when a power amount necessary for executing the finalizing processingcan be supplied (for example, the power amount suppliable by the batteryis larger than a power amount necessary for executing the finalizingprocessing) (402-YES), the finalizing processing 303 is executed and incontrast thereto, when the power amount necessary for executing thefinalizing processing cannot be supplied (402-NO), the operation isfinished without executing the finalizing processing (304).

According to the embodiment, even when the battery is connected, in thecase in which the power amount supplied from the battery is larger thanthe power amount necessary for executing the finalizing processing, thefinalizing processing is executed.

Here, an explanation will be given of other point of consideration whenthe battery is used and an explanation will be given of a new technologydealing therewith.

That is, as described above, a suppliable power amount of a battery(charging battery, dry cell, solar cell or the like) is limited and thebattery is provided with a certain characteristic in the case ofchanging the suppliable power amount depending on a change inenvironmental conditions such as temperature, sunshine condition and soon.

Therefore, even when at time point of starting the finalizingprocessing, the power amount stored in the battery is large and thepower amount supplied from the battery is larger than the power amountnecessary for executing the finalizing processing, depending on thechange in the environmental conditions, at certain time point, there isa possibility of bringing about a case in which supplied power becomessmaller than power necessary for executing the finalizing processing andthe processing cannot be executed normally.

In this case, it is not sufficient only to detect and determine amagnitude of a power amount of the battery remaining undischarged, thatis, a power amount which can be supplied from the battery, is largerthan a power amount necessary for executing the finalizing processing.That is, it is necessary to additionally execute a processing ofdetecting and determining whether necessary power can stably continuesupplying in the midst of executing the finalizing processing. In otherwords, in addition to checking whether a total power amount necessaryfor the finalizing processing can be supplied, it is also necessary todetermine whether power necessary for continuing to process thefinalizing processing at every moment can stably be continued to supplyuntil finishing the processing by the connected battery.

Also in this case, stability of power supplied from the battery isdetected and when the power necessary for the finalizing processing canstably be supplied, the finalizing processing may be executed.Conversely, even when the power amount suppliable by the battery cansupply the total power amount necessary for the finalizing processing,in the case in which the power necessary for continuing to process thefinalizing processing at every moment cannot stably continue supplying,it is determined that the finalizing processing is not executed.

FIG. 11 explains the processing. FIG. 11 adds power supply stabilitycheck 410 for detecting stability of supplied power to the processing ofFIG. 4 and an explanation will be given of the added processing.

That is, in FIG. 11, stability of suppliable power is checked (410),when a power amount necessary for executing the finalizing processingcan stably be supplied (412-YES), the finalizing processing 303 isexecuted and in contrast thereto, when the power amount necessary forexecuting the finalizing processing cannot be supplied (412-NO), theoperation is finished without executing the finalizing processing (304).

Further, in detecting or determining that power necessary for thefinalizing processing can stably be supplied, when a change of suppliedpower over time is stable, it may be determined that the power canstably be supplied. For example, by continuously or discretely referringto power supplied from the battery over time, a state and acharacteristic of the change of the supplied power are calculated andbased on the state and the characteristic of the change, it can bedetected or determined that the power necessary for the finalizingprocessing can stably be supplied.

Further, in detecting or determining stability of power supply based onthe state and the characteristic of the change, the detection ordetermination may be executed by referring to the characteristic of thebattery (including charging characteristic or the like) (in this case,it may be necessary for a user to detect or determine a kind of aconnected battery or to set the kind of the battery in initial setting),or providing a sensor or means for measuring the environmental conditionsuch as measuring or referring sunshine condition by a sensor withregard to light.

Further in relation to the matter explained in the first embodiment,according to the AC power supply, a suppliable power amount is notlimited and normally, power can be supplied stably and a change insupplied power is difficult to bring about by the environmentalconditions as in the battery.

Therefore, when power is supplied from the AC power supply, in executingthe finalizing processing, even in consideration of a variation of powersupplied on an average and stability of power supply, data recorded inthe information recording apparatus is protected, further, promotion ofreliability of the information recording apparatus is achieved.

Next, an explanation will be given of an embodiment of informing aprocessing content when the finishing processing is executed in thefirst embodiment as a third embodiment in reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 5and FIG. 7.

The system constitution is the same as that of the first embodiment.Further, FIG. 5 shows a flow adding confirmation screen display 500 and501 to FIG. 3. FIG. 7 shows operation GUI of the system. Numeral 701designates a sum nail video. The sum nail video is an video contractingrecorded videos. An initial screen is displayed such that what isrecorded is immediately known. Numeral 702 designates a portiondisplaying a kind of record medium. Numeral 703 designates a displayshowing a current state. All program indicates all of recorded imaged inthis case.

When a user intends to execute finalizing, a pulldown menu 710 isdisplayed on a screen 700. An item of finalize is selected from thepulldown menu 710. Then, an item of processing is displayed in a displayarea 720, it is known that the operation proceeds to the finalizingprocessing, further, at the same time, a confirmation screen offinalizing is displayed. The confirmation screen is designated bynumeral 721. A message stating “execute finalizing?” of the confirmationscreen 721 is not limited to the above-described message so far as auser is expedited to confirm such that “execute finalizing after goingback home?” or “truly execute?”. The user can see the confirmationscreen 721 only when the finalizing is executed.

Confirmation screen display 501 of FIG. 5 displays the confirmationscreen 721. When the user intends to stop the finalizing here, the usermay select No and select Yes when the user executes the finalizing.Further, when the finalizing is not executed since the AC power supplyis not connected, it is not necessary to display “execute finalizing?”of the confirmation screen 721 or a message informing that to the usermay be displayed. When the message is informed to the user, the messageis informed by the confirmation screen display 500 of FIG. 5. Forexample, the message may be a message expediting the user to connect theAC power supply such as “finalizing is not executed since AC powersupply is not connected” or “please connect AC power supply” or thelike.

As has been explained above, in the finalizing processing theoperability is promoted by informing the processing content to the user.

Next, an explanation will be given of an embodiment of informing theprocessing content when the finishing processing in the secondembodiment is executed also in a fourth embodiment in reference to FIG.1, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

The system constitution is the same as that of the first embodiment,further, FIG. 6 shows a flow adding confirmation screen display 600 and601 to FIG. 4. FIG. 7 shows operation GUI of the system. Numeral 701designates a sum nail video. The sum nail video is an initial screen ofinputted video. Numeral 702 designates a portion of displaying a kind ofa record medium. Numeral 703 designates a display showing a currentstate. When a user intends to execute finalizing, the pulldown menu 710is displayed on the screen 700. The user selects the item of finalizingfrom the pulldown menu 710. Then, it is known that the operationproceeds to the finalizing processing as designated by numeral 720 andat the same time, the confirmation screen of finalizing is displayed.The confirmation screen is designated by numeral 721. The expressionstating “execute finalizing?” of the confirmation screen 721 may bedisplaced by any other expression such that “execute finalizing aftergoing back home?” or “truly execute?” so far as expression makes theuser confirm thereof. The user can see the confirmation screen 721 onlywhen the finalizing is executed. Confirmation screen display 610 of FIG.6 displays confirmation screen 721. When the user intends to stopfinalizing, the user may select No and may select Yes when the userexecutes finalizing. Further, when the finalizing is not executed sincethe power amount of the battery is smaller than the power amountnecessary for executing the finalizing processing, a display informingthat to the user may be displayed. When such display is displayed,confirmation screen display 600 of FIG. 6 displays the display. Forexample, the display is such that “finalizing is not executed sincecapacity of battery is deficient”, “please charge battery”, or “pleaseexecute finalizing processing after interchanging battery to new one”,“connect AC power supply” or the like.

As has been explained above, in the finalizing processing, theoperability is promoted similar to the third embodiment by informing theprocessing content to the user.

Next, an explanation will be given of embodiments with regard to a videocamera and a DVD recorder as information recording/reproducing apparatusintegrated with the system constitution explained in the first throughthe fourth embodiments.

First, an explanation will be given of a video camera capable ofrecording two optical disks of DVD-RAM and DVD-R as a fifth embodimentin reference to FIG. 9.

Numeral 900 designates a lens. Numeral 901 designates CCD for convertingan optical signal provided via the lens 900 into an electric signal.Numeral 902 designates an A/D converter for converting the analogelectric signal converted by CCD 901 into a digital signal, numeral 903designates a signal processing portion for converting the digital signalconverted by the A/D converter 902 into a format capable of executingcompression of MPEG or executing format conversion to NTSC inreproduction, and numeral 904 designates an video compressing andexpanding portion for subjecting an video signal converted by the signalprocessing portion 903 to compression of MPG. Further, in reproduction,a compressed signal is expanded and transmitted to the signal processingportion 903. Numeral 906 designates a microphone, numeral 907 designatesan AMP portion for amplifying an audio signal from the microphone 906,numeral 908 designates A/D and D/A converter for converting the audiosignal amplified by the AMP portion 907 into a digital signal, numeral915 designates an LCD panel such as a liquid crystal monitor and numeral916 designates a speaker.

Further, a control portion 905, a driver portion 911, a record medium912, a power supply portion 913 and a finalizing processing portion 914execute processings similar to those of the first through the fourthembodiments. Although portions 904 and 909 execute processings similarto those of the first through the fourth embodiment, the portions alsoexecute expansion in reproduction. Although a portion 910 executesmultiplexing processing similar to those in the first through the fourthembodiments, the portion may separate a packetized compression signal inreproduction.

The video signal inputted form the lens 900 is inputted to the ADconverter 902 via CCD 901 and converted here into the digital signal.The converted digital signal is converted into the format capable ofexecuting MPEG recording by the signal processing portion 903 and issubjected to MPEG compression by the video compressing and expandingportion. The video compressing and expanding portion corresponds to thevideo compressing portion 102 of FIG. 1. Compressed data is expandedalso in reproduction. Further, the audio signal inputted from themicrophone 906 is amplified by AMP 907 and thereafter converted into thedigital signal by the A/D and D/A converter 908. The converted digitalsignal is subjected to compression of MPEG or Dolby digital by the audiocompressing and expanding portion 909. The audio compressing andexpanding portion correspond to the audio compressing portion 104 ofFIG. 1. Compressed data is expanded also in reproduction. Theprocessings of the video compressing and expanding portion 904 and theaudio compressing and expanding portion 909 and thereafter, are as havebeen explained in the first through the embodiments.

Next, an explanation will be given of processings in reproduction inreference to FIG. 9.

When a user instructs reproduction, the driver portion 911 determineswhether the record medium is DVD-RAM or DVD-R, reads data in accordancewith the media and transmits the data to the multiplexing/separatingportion 910 via a buffer or the like. The transmitted data is packetizedand accordingly, data is separated, an elementary stream of video istransmitted to the video compressing and expanding portion 904 and anelementary stream of audio is transmitted to the audio compressing andexpanding portion 909. The expanded video signal is converted into aformat such as NTSC and thereafter displayed on the LC panel 915.

The audio is expanded by the audio compressing and expanding portion909, thereafter converted into an analog audio signal by the A/D and D/Aconverter 908 and is amplified at the AMP 907 portion. the amplifiedaudio signal is outputted via the speaker 916. Synchronization of videoand audio at this occasion is carried out by the multiplexing/separatingportion 910.

As has been explained above, it can be prevented that the finalizingprocessing cannot be processed normally, the optical disk cannotreproduce signals or the optical disk is destructed by switchingfinalizing record in accordance with a state of connecting power supplyor capacity of a battery in recording by DVD-R by using a video cameracapable of recording two optical disks of DVD-RAM and DVD-R. Further, bydisplaying an alarm message, the processing content currently executingcan be known or what to be executed next is determined and therefore,the operability is also promoted.

Next, an explanation will be given of a video recorder capable ofrecording two optical disks of DVD-RAM and DVD-R as a sixth embodimentin reference to FIG. 10. A recorder mentioned here is not necessarilylimited to a portable type capable of carrying or a carrying type butincludes a stationary deck.

Numeral 1001 designates an video input terminal of line input or thelike, numeral 1002 designates an A/D converter for converting an analogelectric signal from the video input terminal 1001 into a digitalsignal, numeral 1003 designates a signal processing portion forconverting the digital signal converted by the A/D converter 1002 into aformat capable of executing compression of MPEG and executing formatconversion to NTSC or the like in reproduction, and numeral 1004designates an video compressing and expanding portion for subjecting anvideo signal converted by the signal processing portion 1003 tocompression of MPEG.

Further, in reproduction, a compressed signal is expanded andtransmitted to the signal processing portion 1003. Further, numeral 1006designates an audio input terminal for audio input, numeral 1007designates an AMP portion for amplifying an audio signal from the audioinput terminal 1006, numeral 1008 designates an A/D and D/A converterfor converting the audio signal amplified by the AMP portion 1007 into adigital signal, numeral 1015 designates an LCD panel such as a liquidcrystal monitor and numeral 1016 designates a speaker. Further, acontrol portion 1005, a driver portion 1011, a record medium 1012, apower supply portion 1013 and a finalizing processing portion 1014execute processings similar to those of the first through the fourthembodiments. Although portions 1004 and 1009 execute processings similarto those of the first through the fourth embodiments, the portions alsoexecute expansion in reproduction. Although a portion 1010 executes amultiplexing processing similar to those of the first through fourthembodiments, the portion may separate a packetized compression signal inreproduction.

The video signal inputted from the video input terminal 1001 is inputtedto the AD converter 1002 and converted here into the digital signal. Theconverted digital signal is converted into the format capable ofexecuting MPEG recording by the signal processing portion 1003 andsubjected to MPEG compression by the video compressing and expandingportion 1004. The video compressing and expanding portion 1004corresponds to the video compressing portion 102 of FIG. 1. Compresseddata is expanded also in reproduction. Further, the audio signalinputted from the audio input terminal 1006 is amplified by AMP 1007 andthereafter converted into the digital signal by the A/D and D/Aconverter 1008. The converted digital signal is subjected to compressionof MPEG or Dolby digital by the audio compressing and expanding portion1009. The audio compressing and expanding portion 1009 corresponds tothe audio compressing portion 104 of FIG. 1. Compressed data is expandedalso in reproduction. Processings of video compressing and expandingportion 1004 and the audio compressing and expanding portion 1009 andthereafter, are as have been explained in the first through the fourthembodiments.

Next, an explanation will be given of a processing in reproduction inreference to FIG. 10.

When a user instructs reproduction, the driver portion 1011 determineswhether the record medium is DVD-RAM or DVD-R, reads data in accordancewith the media and transmits the data to the multiplexing/separatingportion 1010 via a buffer or the like. The transmitted data ispacketized and therefore, the data is separated, an elementary stream ofvideo is transmitted to the video compressing and expanding portion 1004and an elementary stream of audio is transmitted to the audiocompressing and expanding portion 1009. The expanded video signal isconverted into a format of NTSC or the like by the signal processingportion 1003 and is displayed on the LCD panel 1015.

Audio is expanded by the audio compressing and expanding portion 1009,thereafter converted into an analog audio signal by the A/D and D/Aconverter 1008 and is amplified by the AMP 1007 portion. The amplifiedaudio signal is outputted via the speaker 1016. Synchronization of videoand audio at this occasion is executed by the multiplexing/separatingportion 1010.

As has been explained above, it can be prevented that the finalizingprocessing cannot be processed normally in the midst of the processingor forcibly finished, for example, the disk is destructed by switchingfinalizing record in accordance with the state of connecting powersupply or capacity of a battery in recording by DVD-R by using a videorecorder capable of recording two optical disks of DVD-RAM and DVD-R.Further, the operability is also promoted by displaying an alarmmessage.

Further, although according to the above-described embodiments, anexplanation has been given by taking an example of the finishingprocessing with regard to DVD-R, the embodiment is applicable to arecord medium necessitating a finishing processing after recording andmay be executed with regard to, for example, DVD-RAM.

Further, the invention can be executed in an information recordingapparatus for recording signals from a video camera (camera integraltype information recording apparatus), a portable type informationrecording apparatus and a stationary type information recordingapparatus although an explanation thereof has been given in theembodiments.

Further, the constitution described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.54518/1993 of the reference example may be used along with theinvention.

Here, an explanation will be given of other effect by the embodimentsaccording to the invention.

When the finalizing processing is executed after recording a write oncetype record medium, the record medium cannot be taken out during a timeperiod of the finalizing processing and accordingly, the record mediumcannot be recorded and is at standby.

Depending on adopted standards with regard to recording, data is writtento an unrecorded area in the finalizing processing. Therefore, theshorter the time period of recording information, the larger theunrecorded area, the larger the amount of writing data to the area inthe finishing processing, time is taken and the record medium is made tobe at standby. Therefore, the more the time is taken in the finishingprocessing, the more prolonged is a time period of being at standbyuntil the record medium is interchanged to a new one and recording isstarted.

However, in the case in which a portable type information recordingapparatus such as a camera is applied with the above-describedembodiment for executing the finishing processing when the AC powersupply is connected, the portable type information recording apparatussuch as a camera is normally supplied with power by a battery and thefinalizing processing is not executed since the AC power supply is notconnected thereto. Therefore, there is achieved an effect of dispensingwith operation at standby for writing data in the finishing processing.

Further, it can be avoided by the above-described embodiment thatadditional recording cannot be executed as a result of finishingprocessing by, for example, erroneous instruction although the writeonce type record medium is provided with a large unrecorded area (thatis, there remains a lot of recordable area) and the write once typerecord medium cannot be used effectively.

The invention can provide the information recording apparatus capable ofswitching the finishing processing in accordance with the kind of therecord medium (rewritable time, write once type record media).

Further, when the information recording apparatus executes the finishingprocessing, it is determined whether the power amount necessary forexecuting the finishing processing can be supplied and when thenecessary power amount can be supplied, the finishing processing isexecuted and accordingly, the finishing processing can normally beexecuted.

Therefore, it can be avoided that the finishing processing is forciblyfinished although the finishing processing is being executed andinformation recorded on the disk cannot be reproduced or the disk isdestructed, data recorded in the information recording apparatus can beprotected and promotion of reliability of the information recordingapparatus can be achieved. The finishing processing can normally beexecuted by the invention and therefore, the invention is very useful inthe case of a write once type record medium capable of writing data onlyonce such as DVD-R.

Further, the invention is applicable not only to the write once typerecord medium but also to a record medium necessitating the finishingprocessing after recording and is useful also to the rewritable recordmedium such as DVD-RAM.

Further, as has been explained in the embodiments according to theinvention, the invention can provide the information recording apparatusof, for example, a camera integral type integrally mounted with DVD-RAMand DVD-R.

1. An apparatus for capturing video information with a video camera unitand recording the video information on a record medium, comprising: arecord medium determining unit which determines a type of the recordmedium; a power supplying unit which supplies power to the apparatus; apower supply determining unit which determines a state of powersupplying of the power supplying unit; a finishing processing unit whichexecutes a finishing process for enabling an reproduction exclusiveapparatus to reproduce the recorded video information when the recordmedium is determined as a write once type record medium by the recordmedium determining unit; a display unit which displays the videoinformation captured with the video camera unit; and a controller whichcontrols the finishing processing unit to not execute the finishingprocess to the write once type record medium when the power supplydetermining unit determines that the power is supplied from a batteryand the battery can supply power of less than a determined value.
 2. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller controls thefinishing processing unit to execute the finishing process to the writeonce type record medium when the power supply determining unitdetermines that the power is supplied from a battery and the battery cansupply power of at least a determined value.
 3. The apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the controller controls the finishing processingunit to execute the finishing process to the write once type recordmedium when the power supply determining unit determines that the poweris supplied from an AC power supply.
 4. The apparatus according to claim2, wherein the controller controls the finishing processing unit toexecute the finishing process to the write once type record medium whenthe power supply determining unit determines that the power is suppliedfrom an AC power supply.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe controller controls the display unit to display information that thefinishing processing unit is not able to execute the finishingprocessing, information that the battery should be charged, informationthat the battery should be replaced, or information that the powershould be supplied from an AC power supply, when the power supplydetermining unit determines that the power is supplied from a batteryand the battery is able to supply power of less than a determined value.6. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the controller controlsthe display unit to display information that the finishing processingunit is not able to execute the finishing processing, information thatthe battery should be charged, information that the battery should bereplaced, or information that the power should be supplied from an ACpower supply, when the power supply determining unit determines that thepower is supplied from a battery and the battery is able to supply powerof less than a determined value.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 3,wherein the controller controls the display unit to display informationthat the finishing processing unit is not able to execute the finishingprocessing, information that the battery should be charged, informationthat the battery should be replaced, or information that the powershould be supplied from an AC power supply, when the power supplydetermining unit determines that the power is supplied from a batteryand the battery is able to supply power of less than a determined value.8. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the controller controlsthe display unit to display information that the finishing processingunit is not able to execute the finishing processing, information thatthe battery should be charged, information that the battery should bereplaced, or information that the power should be supplied from an ACpower supply, when the power supply determining unit determines that thepower is supplied from a battery and the battery is able to supply powerof less than a determined value.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the record medium is an optical disk and the write once typerecord medium is a DVD-R.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 2,wherein the record medium is an optical disk and the write once typerecord medium is a DVD-R.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 3 whereinthe record medium is an optical disk and the write once type recordmedium is a DVD-R.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein therecord medium is an optical disk and the write once type record mediumis a DVD-R.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the recordmedium is an optical disk and the write once type record medium is aDVD-R.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the record mediumis an optical disk and the write once type record medium is a DVD-R. 15.The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the record medium is anoptical disk and the write once type record medium is a DVD-R.
 16. Theapparatus according to claim 8, wherein the record medium is an opticaldisk and the write once type record medium is a DVD-R.
 17. An apparatusfor capturing video information with a video camera unit and recordingthe video information on a record medium, comprising: a record mediumdetermining unit which determines a type of the record medium; a powersupplying unit which supplies power to the apparatus; a power supplydetermining unit which determines a state of power supplying of thepower supplying unit; a finishing processing unit which executes afinishing process for enabling an reproduction exclusive apparatus toreproduce the recorded video information when the record medium isdetermined as a write once type record medium by the record mediumdetermining unit; a display unit which displays the video informationtaken with the video camera; and a controller which controls thefinishing processing unit to execute the finishing processing to thewrite once type record medium when the power supply determining unitdetermines that the power is supplied from a battery and the battery cansupply power of at least a determined value.
 18. The apparatus accordingto claim 17, wherein the controller controls the finishing processingunit to execute the finishing process to the write once type recordmedium when the power supply determining unit determines that the poweris supplied from an AC power supply.
 19. The apparatus according toclaim 17, wherein the controller controls the display unit to displayinformation that the finishing processing unit is not able to executethe finishing processing, information that the battery should becharged, information that the battery should be replaced, or informationthat the power should be supplied from an AC power supply, when thepower supply determining unit determines that the power is supplied froma battery and the battery is able to supply power of less than adetermined value.
 20. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein thecontroller controls the display unit to display information that thefinishing processing unit is not able to execute the finishingprocessing, information that the battery should be charged, informationthat the battery should be replaced, or information that the powershould be supplied from an AC power supply, when the power supplydetermining unit determines that the power is supplied from a batteryand the battery is able to supply power of less than a determined value.21. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the record medium is anoptical disk and the write once type record medium is a DVD-R.
 22. Theapparatus according to claim 18, wherein the record medium is an opticaldisk and the write once type record medium is a DVD-R.
 23. The apparatusaccording to claim 19, wherein the record medium is an optical disk andthe write once type record medium is a DVD-R.
 24. The apparatusaccording to claim 20, wherein the record medium is an optical disk andthe write once type record medium is a DVD-R.